Income and Poverty

Yesterday, Lubbock Compact announced an update to its Lubbock Environmental Action Plan project, with a new interactive air quality map on its website. Meanwhile, KERA’s Pablo Arauz Peña reports North Texas businesses that contribute to poor air quality could be subject to fines. And Texas' Health and Human Services Commission has asked the state for funding to improve systems and expand staff.

After a community event hosted by the East Lubbock Art House bringing further attention to disparities in Lubbock's housing, we took a look at the data to break down what's making it harder for citizens to own a home.

More than half of families with school-aged children faced food insecurity over the last year. Parents also said concerns over whether they can afford nutritious food for their households is taking a toll on their mental health.

Group homes serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Texas Public Radio’s Camille Phillips reports that in the wake of glitches and delays, significantly fewer high school grads filled out FAFSA this year compared to last year. Today also marks the beginning of Texas' Tax Free Weekend, when school supplies will be exempt from sales taxes.

During summer months, children across the county struggle with food insecurity. However, food banks and school districts alike are helping provide meals for young people.

Opponents say this year's farm bill would significantly cut down on federal meal benefits for low-income Americans. Supporters say projected funding cuts are inaccurate.

The Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market kicks off its 2024 season on Saturday. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on what visitors can expect. Meanwhile, a new report from Feeding America finds one in six Texas households are at risk of hunger. But KERA's Christopher Connelly reports more than half aren't eligible for federal food assistance.

The Supreme Court has passed on getting involved in a challenge to the First Amendment drag show controversy in Texas. KERA's Christopher Connelly says a new study shows Texas needs more than 679,000 low-cost rental homes for the state's poorest renters.

Texas Public Radio’s Gaige Davila has more on new data indicating the backlog of immigration cases in the U.S. is at its highest in the country’s history. KERA’s Elena Rivera explains a new report finds Texans with mental health diagnoses struggle to find and afford treatment.